London Design

Of course there are more and more design shops in this city, happily just around the corner from where I was staying was one of the best!

Mint just opened in this location on Alexander Square this past September.
Some fabulous cutting edge designs you definitely will not see everywhere.
The 'burnt' chest finish is original. Do go to their web site and explore their
selections, fabulous and inspirational.

'Round the other corner Johnathan Adler just brought his California
style to town too! (forgive the through the window pictures)

A Perfect Weekend Excursion from London

Brilliant sunny skies and a trip to Blenheim Palace on a perfect autumn Sunday. The palace had recently  been decorated for Christmas inside and out. Passing through a series of porticos, courtyards and gates to get to the main entrance one can understand clearly how this building was created more as a monument than as a home to the first Duke of Marlborough and his wife and family.

Sarah, the first Duchess tried valiantly to control the government appointed architect who was determined 

to create a monument rather than a palace of for living. Embellishments of every kind on every corner of the building were carved and created. 

Now skipping through the ages to the 9th Earl of Marlborough, 'Sunny", forced to hunt for a wealthy wife to save the family seat in 1898. Luckily for Blenheim Palace the mother of Consuelo Vanderbilt was desperate to have a title in the family. The marriage was doomed but Blenheim was saved by the Vanderbilt fortune.

One of the most intriguing features of Blenheim was installed after their divorce when the duke married his mistress, the beautiful blue-eyed Gladys Deacon. This marriage was not a success either, one suspects Sunny was not of a very sunny nature once married. However; before the thunder clouds set in, a touching tribute to his bride was painted on the ceiling of the entrance of the north portico. Recently restored, the deco styled brilliant blue eyes of Gladys shine down on the visitor. Painted by Colin Gill in 1928 they bring a smile as one enters the main hall.

There still is some debate over who the brown eyes belong to, are they Sunny's or Conseulo's watching over the palace?

London Red and White

In Knightsbridge just behind Harrods and in many of the streets on the way to Sloane Square there are many homes built in red brick. Quite solid and some quite magnificent, many adorned with a blue plaque. The blue plaque scheme marks the houses throughout London that were homes of notable persons from clowns to statesmen, they are always intriguing.

London Deciding on Pinks

A front door in a state of indecision....here is some inspiration!

these pink chairs are a  pretty cute accent!

London House Hunting

Sadly not for me...but, lucky dd#1. The main criteria - a bit of garden for the two furry babies!
So the hunt was on...up for bids was this sweet old character filled house ready for a total reno,
located on a street that reminded one more of Italy than London. Lovely high ceilings and not
much to save would have allowed the creative juices to really flow. The little house included a
garden to die for as it was open to the sky on three sides a minor miracle in London.
Possibilities were endless, although costs were sobering and in the end the 'British couple' decided
on the practical.

London Black and White

Some parts of London are crisp, clean and just Black and White....but it obviously isn't always clear.....
even when printed in black and white! (check  out the last snap)

London Contemporary Christmas Take at Conrans

    And on the opposite design side to Harrods......